I didn't really have a plan for Wednesday.
If there hadn't been a cloud in the sky, perhaps I would consider going back to Jungfraujoch for better pictures.
There was enough overcast that I knew that was a waste of time, plus Jungfraujoch was nauseatingly touristy.
I figured I'd rent a bike, take the train uphill and ride downhill.
I went to the bike shop in Wengen, got all fitted out with a hardtail bike, then they asked me where I was headed.
When I told them my plans, they informed me that bikes are not allowed on trains uphill of Wengen.
They then tried once again to talk me into an ebike... this time I relented.
90 chf for a day for an ebike vs about 50 chf for a hardtail.
I started out in a moderate power setting on the ebike climbing uphill out of Wengen.
By the time I was at the end of Wengen I was getting pretty winded and cranked the ebike power up a notch or two.
That was much better, about zero effort required now.
11:28 Alps time 03:28 California time
11:28 Alps time 03:28 California time
Wengen from above
13:28 Alps time 05:28 California time
my pic
I found a lovely park bench at the top of bike trail 1 in Wengernalp and just watched the glacier melt all afternoon.
Meanwhile, Kent was in Saas Grund:
Kent's pic
Kent's pic
Kent's pic
Kent's pic
Kent's pic
Kent's pic
Kent's pic
Kent's pic
Kent's pic
Kent: Check sport climbing guide advertised
Kent: Mural from 1953
12:24 Europe time 03:24 California time
Dusty: The roar of all the water draining out of the glaciers is sad,
sounds like they (and the planet) are dying
13:33 Europe time 04:33 California time
Kent: A kapel skate tour in the saas valley for me
Kent: Taking it easy
Kent: No beer yet
Kent: Lots of food
Kent: :)
13:40 Europe time 04:40 California time
Dusty: Ebike gave me the freedom i was after with minimal effort
Dusty: Downhill only hardtail on the train (which turned out not to be
an option - no bikes allowed past Wengen) would have been fine /
perhaps better/a little cheaper.
13:41 Europe time 04:41 California time
Kent: I'm waiting for the bus to take me back up to grund
Kent: No work going downhill on a skateboard!
13:41 Europe time 04:41 California time
Dusty: Nice!
Dusty: There was no way I was going to hike down this whole thing from
KS to Wengen, way too long and steep
Dusty: Uphill would be tragic.
13:43 Europe time 04:43 California time
Kent: Didn't you do that with Rita and I back in the day? It was
asswhipping going down
Kent: You're only a little down by the time you get to the trees.
13:46 Europe time 04:46 California time
Dusty: That was almost grand canyon level exertion in 2003
13:48 Europe time 04:48 California time
Dusty: I've seen maybe 5 ebikes, 10-15 hardtails (mostly downhill but
they had to earn it here by climbing uphill first), maybe 10 hikers on
bike path 1
Dusty: Hiking trail above by train busier, which is why I am here.
14:37 Alps time 06:37 California time
14:49 Alps time 06:49 California time
14:49 Alps time 06:49 California time
14:49 Alps time 06:49 California time
15:10 Alps time 07:10 California time
15:11 Alps time 07:11 California time
16:09 Alps time 08:09 California time
Dusty: After floundering at Wengenalp all day i put the ebike in turbo
mode to get almost to KS..
Dusty: took train pics and video and headed back down at 440ish, bike
store closes at 6
16:21 Alps time 08:21 California time
16:22 Alps time 08:22 California time
16:22 Alps time 08:22 California time
16:31 Alps time 08:31 California time
16:32 Alps time 08:32 California time
16:35 Alps time 08:35 California time
16:36 Alps time 08:36 California time
18:07 Alps time 10:07 California time
Hotel Schönegg
Tomaten - Mozzarella - Salta, Pesto und schwarzes Olivenpulver
Caprese, pesto and black olive powder
18:31 Alps time 10:31 California time
Eglifilet in Zitrusfrüchte-Butter mit lauwarmem Linsensalat
Pike Perch in citrus butter with lukewarm lentil salad
17:28 Europe time 08:28 California time
Dusty: After floundering at Wengenalp all day i put the ebike in turbo
mode to get almost to KS..
Dusty: took train pics and video and headed back down at 440ish, bike
store closes at 6
Dusty: Back to hotel 510ish.
Dusty: Ebike is kinda like a rocket pack on your back, at least until
the battery dies
18:39 Europe time 09:39 California time
Kent: That must have been fun
Kent: Especially for the uphill! What time do you pass thru
saas grund? I'm heading up the Hohsaas lift at 7:30a
Kent: If tomorrow is like today, would be nice for me
Kent: The clouds aren't moving as fast, but still windy
Kent: It's been mostly sunny today though
Kent: Here's what it showed at hohsaas lift this morning
Kent: Not horrible for tomorrow
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Tuesday August 1, 2023
Bundesfeier Swiss National Day
